We've been to the Tenement Museum and thought it was very interesting and compelling. If you are in that area, you might want to get gelato at:

Laboratoria Del Gelato
95 Orchard St
New York, NY 10002-3112
(212) 343-9922
www.laboratoriodelgelato.com‎

lovely thanks. I still can't get to the tickets site on the net, will have to ring them.
Doesn't look like I'm going to manage a winning bid this time. I've come across Skyline Hotel 10th Av between 49th & 50th st's. Gets decent reviews on tripadvisor.com , showing $219 for a basic room, we really only need a bed this time. Anyone have any thoughts on hotel or location?

Another hotel suggestion: Hampton Inn Empire State Building on 35 Street near Herald Square. I got a GREAT rate on this through TravelZoo. New, clean, well-located, good breakfast.

BTW, I just went to the Tenement Museum the morning I wished to take a tour and had no problem getting on the tour I wanted. Got there when it opened. Great gift shop, too.

Thanks azzure, we would actually like to 'just turn up' too as we aren't real sure what day we will go. So may just try...

I will check out Hampton Inn now.

Hi starrs & azzure, I just 'won' the Millenium Plaza UN for $196+tax. Pretty happy with that, I was going to book the 3* Skyline for $219+tax just to secure something, so I'm over the moon with my 4* and it gets great reviews on tripadvisor.com YAY

Now I just have to book a couple of shows in Vegas and we are good to go. :-)

Two things to add to your post.

Try The Ace Hotel for your second stay in Manhattan, close to lots of restaurants and close to Penn Station a few block walk.

Second The Tudor Hotel, unless it has been greatly rennovated is the (smallest) hotels rooms I have EVER SEEN. You can shower, sleep in the bed and use the toilet all at the same time. Two people in the room is going to be streching the walls literally. Just a bit of FYI.

Sounds like a great trip...Just wanted to mention one thing...You stated that you reserved a Camaro. Unless you go through an expensive specialty rental car company, the reservation is usually for a Camaro "or similar." If they don't have a Camaro available, you could wind up with something else - possibly an upgrade at no additional cost - but the upgrade from Camaro is probably to some type of SUV or something else nothing like a Camaro. If the actual car model is extremely important, you might want to call the rental car agency in advance and explain its importance. If they have a limited number of Camaros available, hopefully they will hold one for you. On the other hand, you could get lucky and get the Camaro with no additional effort.

hi mrkindallas, yes I did go through an 'expensive specialty rental car company' and have a confirmed Camaro. Needless to say DH is very excited.

Note that if insurances were not included in your rental car quote, you'll need them since you're a non-citizen, and they can add up to between $30 and $40 per DAY.

I had LDW insurance included and my travel ins' will cover the rest. I did my home work, promise :-)

Hi Aussiedreamer i have been following your trip planning and taking notes of the suggestions. It sure was sad about Rob Guest's death, the cast of Wicked in Aussie would have been devastated. The majority of us New Zealander's were shocked also about his sudden death.

Have a great trip. WIll look forward to your trip reports.

Hi Aussiedreamer,

If you get stuck for a hotel, try the Affinia Gardens (64th St & 3rd Avenue)I stayed there for about 10 days in with two out of town breaks in April, and couldn't fault them. Good sized rooms (especially by NY standard) and well located. The rooms are nicer than the entrance, lobby and hallways suggest, and have kitchens. http://www.affinia.com/

Someone else asked about discount shopping, and I thought I should tell you about Macy's & Bloomingdale's discount cards for travellers. Take your passport (or drivers licence) to their Customer Service Departments and they'll give you a crd for 11% (I think) discount. Not applicable to cosmetics or perfumes (go to Sephora for those), but useful for other stuff. The Met Museum of Art has an annexe of its gift shop on the mezzanine level at Macys. The one at the Met is wonderful - I always buy my 'take homes' there. Their basement sales are worth a look, too. There is a discount voucher (20% I think) with your entrance ticket.

Correction: Affinia Gardens ... 63rd - between 2nd & 3rd Avs.
Subway at 59th & Lexington is 5 mins walk away. As is Bloomingdales ! Good restaurant (Da Vino?) just around the corner. I got an excellent deal -$169, and then an upgrade to 1 BR suite for the same rate.

Thanks for all the great tips bokhara2. You may have overlooked my above post, I have secured the Milleneum Plaza Un, so we are set for hotels. Thanks for the reminder re the disc card we can get.

Now I know why I missed your final plan posting ..... I was in NYC Aug. 31 - Sept. 6. Have a great trip.